Facts on Body Fat Percentage

The body needs fat, but a high percentage of body fat can be dangerous to your health. Likewise, a low percentage of body fat can also harm the body's internal environment. People need moderation in consuming fat, but also moderation in how they reduce body fat. Those with a high body fat percentage are at risk for heart attack, so a carefully monitored exercise plan can prevent potential injury.

Function

• The percentage of body fat determines the regulation of body temperature and determines how well it cushions bones and vital organs to prevent injury to the body's internal environment.

Misconceptions

• Body fat percentage should be no lower than 18 percent, and although lowering body fat is healthy for overweight individuals, it is not recommended for everyone, including those who are underweight and suffer from eating disorders.

Significance

• It is important to measure your body fat percentage and continue to monitor it to prevent cardiovascular malfunctions, cancer, diabetes, depression and a host of other medical problems.

Identification

• Those with a high percentage of body fat have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more, and you can measure this by multiplying 703 by your weight in pounds, then dividing that number by your height in inches.

Considerations

• Although measuring your body fat with simple mathematics is an easy, generally accepted technique, it is not fully accurate because the calculation does not consider muscle mass using this method.

Prevention/Solution

• Exercise regularly and eat a high fiber low-fat diet, avoiding processed foods and those with high sugar and starchy content.